Restoration work on the the railway began in 1982 by a group of volunteers. Over the years that followed, a new railway was built. The railway includes some of the original buildings. The first section of the line was re-opened for public passenger trains in May 1986 using two diesel locomotives named 'Dolphin' and 'Walrus' which were purchased in 1983 from Doddington House. The volunteers felt that the railway would be enhanced and returned to its former glory by having a steam locomotive running. A project was undertaken to restore 'Sea Lion', the original steam locomotive. BNFL Apprentice Centre at Sellafield, Cumbria restored and returned 'Sea Lion' to the Isle of Man in October 1987, some 48 years since her departure. Train services were extended to the original terminus at Sea Lion Rocks in May 1992. The following year a replica of the original station canopy building at Lhen Coan was officially opened with 'Polar Bear' making a short visit from its new home at the Amberley Chalk Pit's museum. With the completion of the passing loop on it's original headland site, a two train service is again possible. Construction of the present day building at Sea Lion Rocks began in 2001 and after internal fitting, was opened to the public for the first time during the summer of 2003. The building is based on the original 1896 buildings which comprised of refreshment rooms, a bakery and living quarters for the staff. The line now operates regular summer services together with special events and the popular Christmas Trains. Today a wide range of light refreshments are available at Sea Lion Rocks with all proceeds going towards the ongoing operation and restoration of the railway.